I think the natural human reaction to watching a video of Araab Muzik goin’ to work on an Akai instrument is dry mouth from keeping it open for 3+ minutes. The ‘MVP of the MPC’ just released an extended Deluxe Edition of his Electronic Dream album with some interesting re-works of popular electronic jams. Here his edition of Deadmau5’s “I Remember” takes the chilling vocals and throws in his own haunting head-nod-inducing drum work. In the next video watch how he transforms a few different Skrillex tracks into something more acceptable to those who can’t tolerate the brofilthgrime-step. Notice the faces of everyone watching. Catch him at the Key Club in LA on February 1st for $15 (Tickets) and grab Electronic Dream here.

Childish Gambino remains one of the more unique acts in hip-hop — simultaneously supporting an acting career that most would be content with. The intertwining of the two forms of art in his music is very interesting to witness as his writing ability really fully shines on his debut full-length album, CAMP. While his raw talent in wordplay was evident before, he’s really taken it to the next level with this release, displaying a talent in creating metaphors that I think is only rivaled by the Lil’ Wayne we knew and loved. In addition to refining his writing skills, he displays a more conscious ability to make better, more complete tracks. Firefly shows him going in on an uplifting beat reminiscent of early Drake. He addresses the hate with no caution, acknowledging that he’s hard to define but still standing on stage willing to challenge anyone.

|The only white dude who’s allowed to say the n word/Fuck the cool kids, not Chuck Inglish but anyone who hates to feel distinguished |

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On November 8th, Mac Miller released his debut to the world outside of the 1m+ twitter followers and countless youtube viewers he’s racked up. He shortly thereafter became the first independent artist to hit #1 on the Billboard charts since 1995, a testament to the strength of his fanbase. The buzz he built without a major label is more impressive than label-mate Wiz Khalifa’s because the foundation was a series of very well received mixtapes and gradual ascent rather than a hit that found its way to the airwaves. And also because he has, you know, talent. Blue Slide Park is a deeper look into the mind of Malcolm McCormick, a young artist who has made his way into the limelight and the struggle to prove that he’s stayed true to his roots. The message is clear throughout the album–

| They thought the money shoulda changed it/Slide still blue why the world keep trying to paint it?/ When life around you changes/Try to keep your sameness/Try to keep your brain, maintaining through the lameness. |

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Witler turned me on to Manhattan’s Cults a couple weeks back, introducing us to the “melodies that echo a 1950’s pop dream” on their debut album. While that’s usually not my cup of irish coffee, our worlds collide here as the first track was released from the group’s planned hip-hop remix mixtape of their album. The track features Freddie Gibbs, whose gangsta rap style somehow works effortlessly with the indie-pop sound. It’s a testament to his talent, a lot of rappers struggle with versatility. This is the second time we’ve seen Gangsta Gibbs step outside of traditional beats, the first being his collab with UK dubstep producer Joker (here). I like where his head’s at. (Via hypetrak)

Hypetrak Premiere: Cults featuring Freddie Gibbs – Bad Things (Remix) by Hypetrak

Every so often, a combination of distortion and sing-a-long goodness comes along that rocks your soul. Mau5trap’s little gremlin Feed Me just released a cover/remix of Two Door Cinema Club‘s “What You Know,” and it’s quite a sexy combination of styles.

Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know (Feed Me Cover)
Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know

The cats who brought to our attention that San Francisco is Brainwashed by London released their 4 track Audiobook EP last month and it’s starting to get into the dangerous overplayed territory on my iPod. While I would’ve liked more tracks on the release, the project reflects a lot of time and effort put into its creation. Production comes courtesy of Jeremy “Zodiac” Rose, who handled most of The Weeknd‘s acclaimed House of Balloons. It’s refreshing to hear his somber cinematic beats be used for displaying lyrical talent rather than provoking Abel Tesfaye’s whining. BizYCasa and Ayinde stick true to their forte of superior writing ability, delicately weaving you through metaphors that’ll get you pausing the song. | (Don’t go dyin’ on me kid/Cause life is too grand fam, even before your kids have two kids) | This is more than just beats and rhymes — it’s thoughtful writing that displays a deeper appreciation for musicianship. It really is an audio book, especially considering all four songs will eventually be accompanied by music videos that should be appreciated in their own right (hit the jump for the two completed videos). #LifeInsomniac is the movement — don’t sleep on life. I can dig it. Make that first move today, not tomorrow. YOLO

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The Jealous Guys – Audiobook EP | DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

The Jealous Guys | Audiobook by 3qtr

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You Only Live Once. If it’s not your first time fuckin with us, you’ll know by now that phrase is what drives us. Musically it relates to the idea that life is too short to constrict yourself to blinding yourself to one genre of music. Without giving each type of sound an honest chance (aka listen to what people that love the genre give you), you’re seriously restricting yourself from potentially discovering a different type of music that could create a passion where there was none. More recently, I’ve discovered the phrase to mean a lot more. If you want to do something, fucking do it today. If you can’t do it today, create a plan for when you can do it and how you’re going to do it. Procrastination is funny to joke about but it’s soured so many great ideas and potential experiences. I’m talking specifically about thinking of something you want to do and deciding now is not the time to figure out a way to do it. Make decisions quicker. Every minute is another minute you’re never going to get back. Pull out of your instant gratification loop. Wake up. YOLO

Drake’s got a new track with Lil’ Wayne, “The Motto.” Now she want a photo/You already know though/You only live once: that’s the motto: YOLO. While I’m not pumped that Drake was the one to drop it in a song, I’m glad that it’ll adjust at least one person’s mindstate, even if temporarily. Maybe someone will embrace the lifestyle. As for the song, I’m just gonna leave a track I love off Room for Improvement to compare and you’ll know what I think of the Sprite Robot.

Drake – The Motto

Drake – A Scorpio’s Mind (ft. Nickelus F)

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